In Pokemon, Ice-types get a bad reputation due to their type weaknesses, and they are the rarest type in the game, with only a few less than Ghost-types. They have no immunities but are resistant to other Ice-types. They are also all Super Effective against Grass, Ground, Flying, and Dragon-types - all familiar types seen in the Pokemon Video Game Championships (VGC).

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Ice-types in competitive battles are typically fast Special Attackers or sturdier defense Pokemon. This versatility helps them fit into different Pokemon teams, or players can build their teams around their chosen Ice-types and run a Hail team set. Hail is a damage-dealing weather condition, much like sandstorms. All Ice-types are immune to it, and a few can cause a storm just by entering the field or using the move Hail. Here are the best Ice-type Pokemon for competitive play.

Updated on April 7, 2023, by Taylor Pittman: Since the release of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, VGC competitors have got to experience a new generation of competitive play. There are over 100 new Pokemon in Gen 9, and many of them have taken over the tournaments with new abilities, moves, and a pseudo-evolution method called Terastallizing. Ice-types are still one of the rarest, but Gen 9 has brought some creative additions to the type, with some even prominent in the current meta. So, this post has been updated to include more of the best Ice-type Pokemon for competitive Pokemon teams.

Cetitan

Cetitan is a pure Ice-type Pokemon from Gen 9 with a round body and spikes coming out of its face around its mouth. Its HP stat makes up most of its defensive bulk, but players can get quite a bit of offensive use from it. Hail, or snow teams in particular, are a good fit because it can set up Blizzard for its ability, Slush Rush, which doubles its Speed during the weather.

Cetitan is also one of the only Pokemon that can learn the move, Ice Spinner. Ice Spinner is a damage-dealing Ice-type move that also clears any terrain effects from the field. This can put opponents trying to get terrain boosts in a bind by cutting it off short. It's Sp. Atk is almost nonexistent, so it is safe to say that Cetitan thrives as a physical attacker.

Iron Bundle

Iron Bundle is an Ice/Water-dual-type Paradox Pokemon that strongly resembles a Delibird. While Paradox Pokemon are mysterious phenomena in Scarlet and Violet, many are seen in the Pokemon VGC. Iron Bundle is swift but sturdy due to high Speed and Defense stats, so players can easily find a place for it on their teams.

Its Sp. Atk allows hard-hitting STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) moves like Ice Beam and Hydro Pump to become OHKOs against the right opponents. Players can also use it as a pivot Pokemon with the move Flip Turn in its arsenal if they want to set up slower Pokemon without missing out on any damage.

Baxcalibur

As with most pseudo-legendary Pokemon, Baxcalibur has quite a few high stats, although it's Sp. Atk is low for a Dragon-type. It has both Dragon/Ice-type fairy STAB moves, making taking on popular threats like Dragapult and Iron Tusk significantly easier. For example, Glaive Rush is incredibly risky, but not many Pokemon can withstand it. It does leave Baxcalibur vulnerable, so players should save it for a late-game move.

Its signature Ability, Thermal Exchange, does protect it from Fire foes by preventing burns and increasing its Attack every time it gets hit with damage-dealing Fire-type moves, but players can also make up for some of its other weaknesses through a Fairy Tera type. Alternatively, a Dragon-type Tera eliminates Fire as a threat almost entirely.

Froslass

In later generations of Pokemon, there has been an increase of dual Ghost-type Pokemon, including Froslass. Froslass thrives on Hail teams built around hailstorms due to its ability Snow Cloak, which increases its evasiveness on the field. It is also a good Spikes setter to pull in passive damage, and, if paired with Stealth Rock, that damage can be doubled.

Its Speed stat keeps it attacking first, so it can move in and ensure its setup job is done. Froslass also has STAB moves such as Ice Beam and Blizzard and can pull from its Ghost-type move pool and use Shadow Ball. However, its Defense stats will only help keep it on the field for a short time, so players should use it as a lead.

Mamoswine

Mamoswine is reminiscent of a woolly mammoth mixed with a boar. It's a dual Ice/Ground-type from Generation IV with a very impressive Attack stat. Its mix of high HP and Attack means it can soak up damage while also dishing it out. In addition, its hidden ability Thick Fat comes in handy against Fire and Ice-type moves by cutting their Attack and Sp. Atk stat by 50%. So, all this combined makes it a well-established tank in the Pokemon VGC.

Its secondary typing introduces unique STAB moves for an Ice-type, such as Earthquake, Bulldoze, and High Horsepower. Its offensive set relies heavily on physical or contact moves, making it vulnerable to status-changing abilities based on touch or other moves. Mamoswine also has access to Stealth Rock, which can set up hazards for offensive teams. Its ability Oblivious prevents it from falling for Attract or attraction-inducing moves. Alternatively, it can get Snow Cloak, an excellent ability for a Hail team Pokemon.

Walrein

Walrein is a bulky Ice/Water-type Pokemon. Ice types can learn a lot of Water-type moves, but Walrein gets to use Liquidation, Hydro Pump, and Waterfall as STAB moves. It's also got quite a few Steel-type moves to choose from. If opponents aren't careful, it will quickly put dents in their team. However, its Speed stat almost guarantees it's not moving first unless a move takes priority in turn order. Players would do well to make sure it has a speedy support Pokemon on the field to ensure that they can get damage output while playing it.

It's got good recovery options, though, with Aqua Ring and Rest, as well as its ability Ice Body which restores 1/16 of the Pokemon's maximum health when it is hailing. It also has the hidden ability Thick Fat so that's another defense tactic that Walrein can take advantage of. On the other hand, its typing makes it vulnerable, so players should be prepared to use it to make a showing at the beginning of the battle versus hanging in for the long term, depending on the typing of its opponents.

Abomasnow

Abomasnow falls into the same category as many other Ice-types and shines as a bulky defensive Pokemon in the competitive realm versus a hard-hitting attacker. Its dual-typing with Grass creates some interesting conditions for it to work under, and it has access to lots of good Grass-type recovery moves. If players did try going offensive, its STAB moves are effective. Grass Knot, in particular, is helpful against larger opponents such as Kyogre and Groudon.

Its stats are all pretty balanced, and none of them stand out. Players can use it to maintain resistance from common Electric-type Glass Cannons like Regieleki and Zapdos. Abomasnow is best because of its ability, Snow Warning. This ability will summon a hailstorm as soon as the Pokemon enters the battlefield. This strategy works particularly well against teams vulnerable to passive damage, making Blizzard one of its strongest Ice attacks and 100% accurate.

Weavile

Weavile is a Dark/Ice-Type Pokemon introduced in Generation IV and is one of the faster Ice-type Pokemon around. Its Attack stats hold up with its high Speed, so it can come in and hit hard. Players will want to use a supportive ally to avoid damaging it. One with something like Follow Me or attention-getting moves would be perfect for pulling force away from Weavile.

Its Dark-type STAB moves are very beneficial against Psychic-types. It has Ice-type moves, including Ice Beam, Blizzard, and Avalanche - though the latter should be used as a revenge tactic as it has decreased priority. Its ability Pressure works well against slower opponents or less offensive opponents. Things like Stealth Rock and other entry hazards can cause trouble, so sending it in against those is risky without a solid recovery option. Still, its high Speed stat usually keeps it ahead of the game.

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